The civil rights institute planned for downtown Riverside is closer to opening after receiving $100,000 from Bank of America.

With the gift, presented to the Riverside City Council on Tuesday, Feb. 27, the institute has raised $600,000 since fundraising began in October. The goal is to raise $2 million over two years, with a deadline this summer to raise the first $1 million.

A major facility in the center will be named the Bank of America Diversity Center. The facility will house small conferences, public programming and performances, children’s programs and community meeting space, according to Civil Rights Institute communication consultant Dawn Hassett.

The Civil Rights Institute will be at 3933 Mission Inn Ave. and is planned to open in April 2020.